Death penalty, Rs 10 lakh fine, seizure of property: Himachal wages war against chitta smuggling, illicit liquor

New law on stringent punishment likely to be passed by Assembly today

In a bold move to tackle chitta smuggling and the sale of illicit liquor, the Himachal Pradesh government has introduced stringent measures in a new bill.

The proposed law stipulates severe punishment, including the death penalty, life imprisonment, fines up to Rs 10 lakh and property seizures.

The bill was presented by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu in the Assembly on Wednesday (March 26, 2025) and is expected to be passed by Thursday.

Growing drug, illicit liquor menace in Himachal

The new bill outlines harsh punishments for those involved in organised crimes like chitta trafficking and illicit liquor production.

If the trafficking or sale of these substances leads to death, the offenders could face life imprisonment or the death penalty.

A fine of up to Rs 10 lakh will also be imposed, and property earned through these illegal activities will be seized.

The law also mandates a minimum of one year in jail for anyone involved in organising or conspiring such crimes, with the possibility of a life sentence.

Punishment also for those sheltering criminals

The bill includes severe penalties for members of criminal syndicates. Anyone found guilty of being a member of such gangs will face a minimum of one year and up to life imprisonment.

Individuals who harbour or conceal criminals involved in organised crime will be punished with at least six months of imprisonment, which could extend to life imprisonment in serious cases. Fines ranging from Rs 20,000 to Rs 5 lakh can also be imposed.

Deforestation, wildlife trafficking included in organised crime

The bill broadens the scope of what constitutes organised crime. In addition to drug trafficking and illicit liquor production, it now includes illegal mining, deforestation, wildlife trafficking, hazardous material dumping, human organ trade, fake health claims, cyber terrorism, extortion, food adulteration and match-fixing.

These crimes will be subject to the same stringent penalties as drug and liquor-related offenses.

Rehabilitation centres and government support

Health Minister Dhani Ram Shandil also introduced the Himachal Pradesh Narcotic Drugs and Controlled Substances Prevention, De-addiction and Rehabilitation Bill, 2025.

The bill will establish rehabilitation centres to help individuals addicted to drugs. The government will create a fund for setting up these centres, with financial support from the state government and corporate social responsibility (CSR) contributions.

Additionally, harsher penalties will be imposed on government employees caught with narcotic substances, including 1.5 times the regular punishment and fines.

This comprehensive legal framework signals Himachal Pradesh’s commitment to eradicating the growing menace of drug abuse and illicit trade in the state, said a Congress leader.

Sunil Chadha